PALS 8 High School Applications - Applying to High School

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Đào

Guide to applying to high school, detailing the main components of a typical admissions package, including the application method (paper or online), required essays, and standardized testing options such as HSPT, ISEE, and SSAT, plus possible MCAS score submission for public schools. Explains what to expect in a school transcript, outlines letters of recommendation from teachers, principal/counselor, and personal references, and describes admissions interviews. Also covers optional steps like inquiry forms, school tours, and shadow days, along with financial aid applications.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Applying to High School

Components to Apply

The Application

The Essay(s)

Standardized Testing

School Transcript

Letters of Recommendation

Admissions Interview

Other Requirements

Applying to High School Components to Apply • The Application • Paper or online • The Essay(s) • Standardized Testing • HSPT, ISEE, SSAT • School Transcript • Interview • Recommendations • Teachers • Principal/Counselor • Personal • Inquiry Form/Shadow Day/School Tour • Financial Aid Application The Application • Each school will determine which application(s) they accept • Gateway to Prep Schools online application • [https://www.gatewaytoprepschools.com/](https://www.gatewaytoprepschools.com/) • Standard Application Online • [https://ssat.org/sao](https://ssat.org/sao) • Ravenna Online Application • [https://www. ravenna-hub.com/login](https://www. ravenna-hub.com/login) • Online School Application • A school’s own online application form found on their Admissions website • Printed School Application • A school’s own paper application form What is in the application? • Biographical and background information • Family information • Information about your current school • Standardized test scores or test plan • Activities section: extracurricular, athletic, community service • Multimedia links • Parent section • Essay(s) The Essay(s) • An opportunity to learn about you through your own voice and writing style • Should sound like you (not a family member or teacher) • Schools may require one or more • Essay prompts from the school • A graded essay Standardized Testing • Each school will determine which test(s) they accept • High School Placement Test (HSPT) • Often used by Catholic high schools • [https://stsusers.com/stsusers/registration/static/boston.php](https://stsusers.com/stsusers/registration/static/boston.php) • Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) • [https://www.erblearn.org/parents/isee-overview](https://www.erblearn.org/parents/isee-overview) • Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) • [https://ssat.org/](https://ssat.org/) • Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) • Public schools (such as, Abbott Lawrence Academy and Greater Lawrence Technical School) will typically require MCAS scores be sent School Transcript • An official record of grades from your middle school • You will need to request this from your school counselor/office On the middle school transcript? YES • Courses Taken • Course Levels • Grades (term/final) MAYBE • Absences/Tardies • MCAS Scores NO • Teacher Comments • Grades from Individual Assignments Letters of Recommendation • Talk about you as a student beyond grades and test scores • Each application/school has different requirements • Teachers: English, Math (might require current year) • Principal or School Counselor • Personal: mentor, coach, family friend (someone who knows you well, but is NOT a relative) • Letters from school will discuss your academic ability, work habits, and involvement in the school community • Personal letters will speak to your qualities and characteristics beyond school Admissions Interview • A meeting or conversation to get to know you better • Usually conducted by a member of the school’s Admissions Office, an alumni (graduate), or a faculty/staff member of the school • Asks questions about many topics, • Including family and background, academic and extracurricular interests, and why they are applying to the school • Also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the school and what it is like to be a student there • Have some in mind that you would like to ask Other Requirements • Inquiry Form • An online form on the school’s Admission website that allows you to express interest in applying • School Tour • Allow you to see and explore the campus • Typically conducted by a student trained to work in the Admissions Office • Point out specific aspects of the school’s facilities and features • Shadow Day • Allow you to spend time following a student through their

FAQs

What components are typically required for a high school application?

Applications usually include the application form (paper or online), one or more essays, standardized testing, a school transcript, letters of recommendation, and an admissions interview. Some steps may be handled through inquiry forms, school tours, shadow days, and financial aid applications.

Which standardized tests might a school accept for admission?

Schools determine which tests they accept, commonly including HSPT, ISEE, and SSAT. Public schools may also require MCAS scores to be sent.

What should be included in the school transcript and recommendation letters?

The middle school transcript should include courses taken, course levels, and grades, with absences/tardies and MCAS scores only sometimes. Recommendation letters should address student ability, work habits, involvement, and personal qualities, coming from teachers, a principal or school counselor, and a personal mentor or similar reference.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Đào